Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective impartial contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of impartial are dispassionate, equitable, fair, just, objective, and unbiased. While all these words mean "free from favor toward either or any side," impartial stresses an absence of favor or prejudice.

an impartial third party

When could dispassionate be used to replace impartial?

The synonyms dispassionate and impartial are sometimes interchangeable, but dispassionate suggests freedom from the influence of strong feeling and often implies cool or even cold judgment.

a dispassionate summation of the facts

How do equitable and just relate to one another, in the sense of impartial?

Equitable implies a less rigorous standard than just and usually suggests equal treatment of all concerned.

the equitable distribution of the property

In what contexts can fair take the place of impartial?

The words fair and impartial can be used in similar contexts, but fair implies a proper balance of conflicting interests.

a fair decision

When is just a more appropriate choice than impartial?

The words just and impartial are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, just implies an exact following of a standard of what is right and proper.

a just settlement of territorial claims

When would objective be a good substitute for impartial?

While in some cases nearly identical to impartial, objective stresses a tendency to view events or persons as apart from oneself and one's own interest or feelings.

I can't be objective about my own child

When might unbiased be a better fit than impartial?

In some situations, the words unbiased and impartial are roughly equivalent. However, unbiased implies even more strongly an absence of all prejudice.

your unbiased opinion

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impartial Civil rights groups on Friday urged Trump to appoint an impartial leader to head the nation's largest statistical agency, while some fellow researchers said Santos' decision was a sad one for the future of the U.S. Census. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 Relatively few Americans are confident that these agencies will act in a fair and impartial manner over the next four years, according to the poll. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025 Far from being an impartial steward of monetary policy, the Fed has routinely prioritized deficit spending and economic stimulus over sound money principles. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 The complaint says those actions have caused Combs economic and reputational harm, as well as tainted his right to a fair trial with an impartial jury. Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impartial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impartial
Adjective
  • The mission of the foundation is to open doors, break barriers and build a more equitable, inclusive industry for creatives of color, all in pursuit of this limitless future that Virgil believed so deeply in.
    Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Provide a solid mix of informal and formal mentorship programs for a work culture that empowers employees and creates a more equitable and fulfilling workplace for all.
    Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Our foundational document, held and displayed in the National Archives building on the National Mall, insists that all men are created equal and rails against the tyranny of despots and kings.
    Elaine Weiss, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Council Member Elizabeth Beck, whose district includes West 7th, questioned whether the city needed a more objective metric like the sound meters to enforce the vibration changes.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism offers a free questionnaire that provides people with an objective picture of their habits, participants receive help setting limits and identifying what drives their urge to drink.
    Kristen Mascia, Parents, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impartial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impartial. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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